On Sept. 7, 2007, two key city groups approved plans of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to design a new facility at the aging Puritas rail station.

The City Planning Commission and Design Review Commission both gave the design thumbs up. The design is being handled by DeWolff Partnership Architects, with input from the Bellaire Puritas Development Corp. and the Kamm’s Corners Development Corp.

The design should be completed in late 2008, when a 24-month construction period begins. Estimated cost is $6.5 million. The new station will be ADA compliant, with a new headhouse, two entrances, new signage, public art and a new parking lot.

In 1966, the Puritas station was built on approximately 6 acres of land near the I-71 exit to W. 150th St. The site includes 558 parking spaces, and about 70 percent of them are used daily. Some RTA land is leased to the National City Bank operations center and La Quinta Inn.

About 900 people board there daily, placing the station as one of RTA’s top five for usage. The station is served by #70, #78 and #809 routes.